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In today's America, our only area of consensus is that we agree to disagree. Or so it seems if you follow the political discourse. But it's worth noting (and continually reminding ourselves) that we actually agree on a lot of big issues. As Lawrence Torcello explains in The Conversation: "Despite the prevailing narrative of polarization, Americans frequently agree on essential issues. For instance, there is widespread support for high-quality health care that is accessible to all and for stronger gun-control regulations. Remarkably, many Americans advocate for both the right to bear arms and additional restrictions on firearms. There is strong support for fundamental democratic principles, including equal protection under the law, voting rights, religious freedoms, freedom of assembly and speech, and a free press. On critical issues such as climate change, a majority of citizens acknowledge the reality of human-caused climate change and endorse the development of renewable energy. Similarly, support for women’s reproductive rights, including the right to an abortion, is widespread." So if we agree on so much, how do we explain the often hateful divisions? They are by design and empower those who benefit from minority rule. It's a classic divide and conquer strategy that is aided by the fact that we are increasingly segregated from one another in every way from where we live in the terrestrial world to where we live online. It's fine to be angry with leaders who seek to divide us. And it's perfectly healthy to be outraged by the enablers who endanger our democracy. But resist the urge to hate your fellow citizens. It's precisely what the dividers want you to do. In this environment, empathy, kindness, and decency are revolutionary acts. (And believe me. I'm reminding myself of this as much as I'm reminding you.)
2
Gaetz Pulls Out
After a series of reports about Matt Gaetz's sexual encounters with a 17 year-old, the otherwise unqualified in every way attorney general nominee has withdrawn from consideration. This lede from NPR gives you some idea of how insane this selection was: "Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is withdrawing his candidacy to be President-elect Trump's attorney general, after sex trafficking and drug use allegations threatened to imperil his confirmation." I'd advise against premature exhilaration. There were many senators ready to confirm Gaetz and it's unlikely we're going to like the next pick.
+ Meanwhile, a police report reveals new details from sexual assault allegation against Trump’s defense secretary nominee. And from The Atlantic (Gift Article): Donald Trump’s Most Dangerous Cabinet Pick.
3
The Fall of Chrome
"The Department of Justice says that Google must divest the Chrome web browser to restore competition to the online search market, and it left the door open to requiring the company to spin out Android, too." Will the court force the divestment? Will the new administration's Justice Department keep the pressure on? How would this and the other potential remedies impact Google's share of the search and AI market? How will the fact that Elon Musk owns an AI competitor impact negotiations? What to make of the fact that Musk joined a call between Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and Trump the other day? I'm not sure. I guess you could Google it.
4
Big Shoes to Fill
I really hope that humans can use artificial intelligence to develop new ways to reduce our overall carboon footprint. In the meantime, it will likely increase that footprint (sorry, but if the shoe fits...). WaPo (Gift Article): AI’s hunger for electric power is threatening U.S. climate goals. "The explosion of data center development across the United States to serve the artificial intelligence industry is threatening decades of progress cutting greenhouse gas emissions, as utilities lay plans for scores of new gas power plants to meet soaring electricity demand."
5
Extra, Extra
BiBi Sting: "The impact of these warrants will in part depend on whether the ICC’s 124 member states - which do not include Israel or its main ally, the United States - decide to enforce them or not." Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes. The only member of Hamas named in the warrants is believed to have been killed weeks ago. Still waiting for warrants for those sponsoring Hamas and Hezbollah. Those must be in the works...
+ Brazilian Acts: "The former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and some of his closest allies are among dozens of people formally accused by federal police of being part of a criminal conspiracy designed to obliterate Brazil’s democratic systemthrough a rightwing coup d’état." (Word of advice from America: Hurry up with the prosecution...)
+ Press-ure: "Marty Baron, the former executive editor of the Washington Post, says he expects the incoming administration 'to go after the press in every conceivable way ... [using] every tool in the toolbox — and there are a lot of tools.'" On this edition of Fresh Air, Marty Baron and David Remnick discuss the upcoming, increasing threat to the press.
+ What Ev: "Lobbyists and officials from several car companies say the automakers want the Biden regulations to remain largely intact, with some changes such as more time for compliance and lower penalties for companies that don’t meet the requirements." NYT: Automakers to Trump: Please Require Us to Sell Electric Vehicles.
+ Inflate Gate: You know how inflation and the economy were the key drivers at the polls? Well, something changed about both in a matter of days. WaPo (Gift Article): Lots of Republicans suddenly think the economy wasn’t that bad after all.
+ Geno Type: "Geno Auriemma soaked in the moment. UConn’s Hall of Fame coach now stands alone atop the NCAA basketball wins list. Auriemma broke a tie with former Stanford women’s coach Tara VanDerveer, earning his 1,217th career victory."
+ Apple's Juice: AppleTV has some of the best shows. But it doesn't have too many viewers. Apple TV spent $20B on original content. If only people actually watched.
6
Bottom of the News
"Cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun dropped over $6 million on the piece of produce — because it was duct-taped to a wall. The banana is part of a piece of artwork called 'Comedian,' created by the Italian artist and satirist Maurizio Cattelan." Man who spent $6.2 million on banana duct-taped to wall says he's going to eat it. (For that money, it would be a real shame to let it go to waste.)
+ This is weird and fun sketch. Can you take a photo of us?
